Meet the Macclesfield Mediterranean restaurant with a perfect rating online.

Aquila - of 46 King Edward Street - is the number one rated restauraunt in Macclesfiled on TripAdvisor, with a top marks average for their 437 reviews.

Chef Mike Dodd took over Aquila in July 2019, and has fell in love with our town.

Mike has diversified the menu from the previous Italian restauraunt incarnation, as Macclesfield already has other independent Italian eateries, and because he wanted to introduce new ideas.

Aquila translates to 'eagle' in Italian. But the varied menu takes influence from all over. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

However, the small plates theme and the tapas rule of individual dishes being served when it is ready, remains the same.

Dishes include a cod and chorizo fishcake, along with homemade beetroot hummus with pitta.

"We're a tapas bar with an Italian and Mediterranean theme," said Mike.

"But take influences from all over with our small plates. All the dishes range from £7 to £11, with the exception of the sharing platter.

Mike spends a lot of time in Spain, which as you can see, has influenced the menu. Booking is preferred to avoid disappointment. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

"In recent months we've added bang bang cauliflower to the specials, which has had some Asian influence with the spices and sweet chilli sauce.

"The crispy cauliflower is aimed at the vegetarians, and sells really well.

"One of the most popular dishes are my salt and pepper sausages, which has a bit of cross-continental influence as well.

"The garlic and chilli king prawns [like the Spanish dish gambas pil pil] is also one of my big sellers.

Crispy falafel with a spicy sriracha dip is currently on the specials, and costs £9. You can pay cash or card for your meal. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

"I do all the food side of the business myself, including getting the stock in the morning, after I have prepped and proved the homemade focaccia of course.

"We recommend two to three plates will fill you up. The patatas bravas, seabass and breaded squid also sell really well."

"I never struggle to get people through the door. I'm really busy, rammed every weekend. We have 14 seats, and two at the bar, which I call the chefs table as I cook directly behind the bar.

"Unfortunately, my electric bills have trebled. I'm paying more for electric than rent at the moment, which is a big amount for me when considering my takings, as you can't sit a lot of people in here."

Other features of Aquila include a wood fire place, perfume in the bathroom, and a small seating area outside. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

There have been lots of little initiatives to help Aquila get to where they are today.

From being one of the first businesses to take up the Eat Out to Help Out scheme in COVID, to having special offers for Monday diners.

They also have the best Food Hygiene rating around.

But Mike revealed why he thinks his dishes are rated so highly.

Mike has worked from Tenerife to the High Peak, and has now found his favourite job yet running Aquila in Macclesfield. He also has Spanish family. (Image - Aquila)

"Since I've run this place - touch wood - I've not had one dish sent back," he added

"People always comment on how hot the food is, well it is hot because it comes straight from the pan to the table. [And has hardly any distance to travel, given the small size of the restaurant.]

"And because it is tapas style, you don't have to wait for all the food to be ready at once to send it. As soon as the dish is ready, it is brought out.

"My relationship with local businesses is great. As we get full here quickly, I'm keen to recommend other businesses to other people like Tempranillo or Basilico.

Dishes include a Chicken dijon with shallots, mushrooms, brandy, wine, dijon mustard and cream (bottom right). (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

"Since The Picturedrome opened, I have noticed that the Whalley Heyes Car Park has been full. So I've become popular after people walking past from them noticing.

"A lot of people notice don't even know we were here. We're opposite the big car wash, near Macclesfield Westminster Street church. The building has been built a pub to a pet shop historically.

"We also support Macclesfield's RedWillow Brewery and Storm Brewing Company with the beers you can get here.

"As an outsider [I live in Offerton], my favourite thing about Macclesfield is that it has a similar feel to my hometown of Stockport. It is a really nice, working town.

You may also know Mike from his chef days at Poynton Garden Centre. But even if you don't know Mike, you should know his food. Pictured is calamari and foccacia bread. (Image - Aquila)

"The people here are quite loyal. I have so many regular customers, who are always singing my praises to other people. I think that is because as it is an open kitchen, people can come up to me, see me and speak to me.

"Quite often I will bring the food out myself if my waiter is busy. Only six of us work here across the week.

"But I think really it is going places Macclesfield. I think it is going to be the next Chorlton or Altrincham.

"There's lots of little independents popping up, and if you've noticed, a lot are independents opening their second place like Suburban Green or Wood Fire Smoke from Wilmslow."

Mike also has desserts, which include tiramisu, creme brûlée and Belgian waffles with hot toffee sauce. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

Aquila is open five days a week. They are open on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Opening hours are 5:30pm to 9:30pm.

Book a table via 07534 077289.

While their specials menu is about the same size as their regular one, you can view some of their dishes on their website, or with the pictures on this article.

They also have a Facebook and Instagram.

Don't be confused by the sign! Although the pavement next to the building is Westminster Street, Aquila is located on 46 King Edward Street. Just look out for the big orange A! (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

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